A Drunken Night

I always heard stories that college would be fun filled with parties and alcohol. The stories are true, alcohol is as accessible as water and easily stored in privately owned refrigerators in dorm rooms. The average college student cannot legally drink until the latter half of college but under aged drinking seems to be encouraged. Refusing to partake in beer pong results in condescending looks from peers and long nights of reviewing math notes because people have started to neglect to invite you to parties.

As any incoming freshman I take my chance at exploring the once dreamed about college life. I go downtown on Thursday nights, drink on Friday and Saturday, and then finally study Sunday night. It is easyÐ'... drinking in the privacy of my room, don't drive, and then act straight when I return to dorm. It is becoming a pattern. I have made friends that enjoy drinking and even shack them up in my room when they are too drunk to drive home.

I am having the time of my life. At least the nights I can remember seem fun. I get to drink, party, and get away with it. I can tell I am getting careless but I know I won't be the one to get caught.

It was a typical Saturday night just two nights ago. My roommate and I had gotten some vodka from my beach house and broke it out for a drink to start the night. We were just relaxing in our dorm room when the telephone rang. On the other line was my friend Ryan, drunk and looking for a place to crash for the night. I couldn't turn away a friend in need and quickly agreed to let him come. I was praying that we could get past the desk reception okay and as I hoped we made it to my room. I thought he was definitely drunk enough to pass out until he sobered up but he wanted more. A little intoxicated myself I offered him a drink. The drinks kept coming and before I could stop him he was quickly reaching a dangerous state.

Next thing I knew Ryan wanted to head home because he had work early in the morning. I couldn't let him drive, especially now. Pretty sober by this point I offered him a ride home. He angrily refused. With one swift grab I tried to retrieve his keys from his pocket. Lessons learned: never reach into the pockets of a drunken guy.

With no power over his reasoning I had to let him leave hoping that he would make it home safely. When he was signed out and out the door I was relieved. I headed back to my room and got in bed for the night.

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